Let’s be honest, almost everyone likes to party in university. It is a blast! Mix your new found independence with new friends and (if you are in Canada) the ability to get into bars, clubs, and concerts, and you always have an option to have a great time! However, some people take it too far – and one of those people might be your roommate. This is part three of the five-part series addressing the most common roommate dilemmas.
Problem: My roommate will not stop partying.
Solution:
This is the MOST common roommate problem I hear about. They come stumbling in at 3 a.m. They are constantly hosting Beer Pong Tournaments. They might not have classes until 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t have to be up at 9 a.m.!
This problem is pretty easy to fix, but there are a few trouble spots to watch out for. So, here are some tips on how to deal with your Party Animal.
Tip 1: Don’t try to tame the Party Animal.
You aren’t their mom and they will make sure to tell you that! If they want to be out all hours of the night, that is their choice. You only have the right to talk to them about what is affecting you. If they feel like you are attacking their lifestyle choices or insulting them, you will not get what you want.
Tip 2: Set specific and clear boundaries.
Like I said in my previous post about dealing with your roommate’s boyfriend/girlfriend, be specific. “All the time” and “always” are great phrases to avoid. Highlight specific incidents and provide realistic solutions.
Tip 3: Invest in earplugs and an eye mask.
I know they may look dorky and can be kind of uncomfortable at first, but you’ve got to sleep and take care of yourself—regardless of their actions. So, until the Party Animal calms down (or if they never do), you will still be able to get some sleep and stay on track with your education.
Tip 4: Don’t be afraid to involve a Residence Advisor.
Here is a great situation where RAs are handy. Have a confidential talk with your RA about your situation (and by “confidential” I mean don’t invite anyone else or tell anyone else about it). This will put them on the lookout for people being disruptive during Quiet Hours or having mini-parties in your room. It is your RA’s job to make living in residence peaceful and comfortable for everyone, so don’t be afraid to include them. Also, this makes them the rule enforcer, not you.
Tip 5: There are going to be some things that you just have to let go.
It’s Friday night; they are going clubbing and won’t know when they are going to be back. Well, that’s tough for you, but you might just have to let it go. You’ve got to pick your battles, and if you want to win the Thursday Night Battle, Friday Night will just have to be forfeited. They are a Party Animal after all; you can’t expect them to not go out on weekends. Just throw in your earplugs and let it be.
Parties are fun and Party Animals can be the life of the party, but, as roommates, they can be a little frustrating. The tips above should help slow the Party Animal down, or at least make them more accommodating of you and your lifestyle. Don’t forget: people like people who like them! So, if you are going to be judgmental or rude, they probably won’t want to help you out by staying over at a friends or coming in quietly. I can speak from personal buzz-kill experience: the cooler you are about it, the cooler they are about it.
